What happened
On 15 July 1999, a modified Piper PA-22-150, registration G-APTP, was performing a private flight from a location near Roughay Farm, Hampshire. During the takeoff roll on Runway 03, the pilot noted that the initial phase of the run proceeded normally until the aircraft reached a speed of 60 mph. However, as the aircraft became airborne, it failed to climb and instead settled back onto the runway surface.
Following this loss of lift, the aircraft drifted toward the right side of the runway. The right wheel entered a field of standing pea crops located at the edge of the runway. The momentum of the aircraft caused it to continue into the crop, eventually coming to a halt on its nose and right wing tip. There were no injuries to the pilot or the single passenger on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Environmental conditions at the time of the accident included a surface wind of 320 degrees at 10 mph and an ambient temperature of 25°C. The aircraft sustained significant damage, specifically to the engine cowling, the propeller, and the engine, which was shock loaded. Additionally, the right wing and the right wheel spat were damaged.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced a loss of altitude immediately after rotation.
- The pilot suggested that a gust or a sudden change in wind direction, potentially triggered by thermal activity, occurred during the rotation phase.
- The excursion was caused by the aircraft's drift into the standing crops, which halted the movement of the right wheel.